52. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

From the inside cover:

"In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before -- and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love."

Well, all I can is Wow. I really loved this book. Even though I checked this out at the library, I am going to buy a copy for myself because I am sure to read it again. Katniss is such a fantastic character, so prickly and alone; but she discovers a caring side while competing against twenty-three other contestants. Collins descriptions are so in-depth and the action so compelling that I had a hard time putting the book down. Just when I thought things were winding down, she would throw in another twist. As I turned to the last page, still not sure how it would end, I was thrilled to see it wasn't ending. There's a sequel! I'm so glad to know this book lived up to the glowing reviews I have read. Add my recommendation to the list.

Rating: 5